If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone around the table with smiles, look no further than this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the magic of slow-cooked, savory meat sauce mingling with tender pasta, all effortlessly prepared in one pot. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, contributing to a potluck, or simply want an easy weeknight meal packed with flavor, this recipe delivers all the warm, nostalgic vibes of church supper classics without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of rich flavor, ensure perfect texture, and add vibrant color to your plate. From the savory meats to fresh aromatics and tender spaghetti, these essentials come together like old friends.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meat and adding subtle richness.
- 1 pound ground beef: Offers hearty, savory depth as the base protein.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed): Adds bold, spiced flavor that elevates the sauce.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced): Sweetens and softens to balance the meatiness.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with that unmistakable savory punch.
- 2 cans (24 ounces each) marinara or spaghetti sauce: The saucy heart that ties everything together.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and natural sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Italian herbs to the forefront.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick of warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of heat.
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti: The comforting pasta base, broken for easy cooking.
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth: Helps cook the spaghetti right in the sauce for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Stirred in last for creamy, salty richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a cheerful pop of green and freshness to finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Prepare Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to get that sizzle going. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with your spoon as they cook. You want that beautiful brown crust, so give it about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and sweeten for another 3 to 4 minutes. This combo is the flavorful foundation that makes the sauce sing. Drain off any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy before transferring it all to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Sauces and Seasonings
Into the slow cooker goes the browned meat and aromatics along with the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want that little spicy surprise. Stir everything until the sauce is evenly mixed and full of promise. Set your slow cooker to low and let this goodness cook gently for about 4 hours—or switch to high if your schedule’s tight and give it 2 hours. The slow cooking lets those flavors marry and deepen, resulting in a sauce that’s pure comfort in every bite.
Step 3: Add Spaghetti and Cook Until Tender
When the sauce looks thick and luscious, it’s time to introduce the star: the spaghetti. Break the noodles in half so they fit nicely, then nestle them right into the sauce. Pour in your water or beef broth, stirring carefully to submerge the noodles as much as possible. Cover and crank your slow cooker to high, cooking for 30 to 40 minutes. Don’t forget to stir halfway through—that helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, soaked with all the saucy goodness.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Fresh Herbs
Last but definitely not least, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It melts smoothly, adding a lovely creamy texture and salty brightness that makes this spaghetti absolutely irresistible. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top when serving, giving your dish a lively splash of color and freshness. Now, it’s ready to bring everyone together for a plate full of warmth and hearty satisfaction.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can turn a homey meal into something special. Fresh, chopped parsley adds a vibrant color and light herbal note to balance the rich sauce and cheese. You might also consider extra Parmesan cheese for those who love it cheesy or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat right at the table.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe is a full meal that pairs perfectly with classic sides like garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables. These sides add texture contrast and fresh flavors, helping round out the meal so everyone feels satisfied and happy.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or larger gatherings, serve this spaghetti recipe in a rustic casserole dish or a large slow cooker set right on the buffet table. Individual bowls or mini mason jars give it an adorable twist for casual parties. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan and parsley right before serving for picture-perfect presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe, no worries! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This spaghetti freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeks. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in covered containers, stopping to stir for even warming. Either way, this meal is as comforting the second time around as the first.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms and lentils. The slow cooker sauce still develops fantastic flavor without the meat, and it’s just as comforting.
What type of sausage should I use?
You can choose either mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your preference. Removing the casings makes it easy to crumble and mix evenly with the ground beef for a well-balanced sauce.
Do I need to pre-cook the spaghetti?
Nope! The spaghetti cooks directly in the slow cooker with the sauce and liquid. Breaking it in half helps it cook evenly, so you end up with perfectly tender noodles infused with all the sauce flavors.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Of course! Fresh, homemade marinara works beautifully in this recipe and adds that extra personal touch. Just make sure to adjust seasonings accordingly since homemade sauces can vary in flavor intensity.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze cooked leftovers, but pasta can become a bit softer after freezing and reheating. To keep the best texture, freeze the sauce separately if possible, then cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe is a beautiful way to savor comforting, home-cooked flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious waiting for you, or for gatherings where the joy is sharing great food with loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Print
Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This Slow Cooker Church Supper Spaghetti is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for large gatherings and potlucks. Ground beef and Italian sausage are browned and combined with onions, garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, then slow-cooked to develop rich flavors. The spaghetti noodles cook right in the slow cooker until tender, making this an easy, hands-off meal that’s sure to please a crowd. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a delicious classic spaghetti with a convenient twist.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cans (24 ounces each) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Sauce: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- Add Spaghetti and Liquid: Break spaghetti noodles in half and add them to the slow cooker. Pour in 3 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth. Stir gently to submerge the noodles in the liquid as much as possible. Cover and cook on high for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until noodles are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or omit the Italian sausage for a lighter version.
- This dish is perfect for potlucks and large family meals.
